Geolight Testing Micro Commissions
Quays Culture and Walk the Plank are inviting artists, creative practitioners and collectives to take part in a series of micro commissions exploring the creative potential of approximately 400 programmable Geolights.
As part of our research and development programme for Waves, a new seasonal programme exploring light, sound, water and darkness, we are looking for artists who are excited to experiment, test ideas and explore what these lights can do in public space.
Waves is Quays Culture’s evolving programme exploring the relationship between light, sound, water and darkness. Developed through collaborations with cultural, academic and technical partners across Salford and MediaCity, the programme tests new approaches to night-time creativity, sustainability and public realm experiences.
This opportunity forms part of a wider programme of activity taking place on 12-14 February 2027, a mini-series designed to test new ideas, partnerships and audience experiences ahead of the full Waves programme in November 2027.
The Opportunity
We are offering:
- 3x micro commissions of £1,000 each
- Access to up to 1,000 programmable Geolights (maximum of 400 per commission)
- Technical support from Walk the Plank
- One-to-one development sessions with Walk the Plank’s team
- Production support to realise and test your idea
- Selected commissions will be presented/displayed on the February dates; this could include all 3 dates or just 1 date – depending on the requirements of the idea
We’re Looking For
We are interested in ideas that respond to one or more of the following themes:
- Sound
- Darkness
- Water
- Play
Ideas could take many forms, including but not limited to:
- Participatory activity
- Performance
- Installation
- Workshop
- Community event
- Public intervention
- Creative experimentation
We are not looking for finished artworks. Instead, we want to support artists to explore possibilities, test ideas and learn through making. Artists are encouraged to be ambitious, playful and curious.
What is a Geolight?
Walk the Plank have manufactured 1,200 Geolights which can be used in multiple ways such as handheld or stationary uplighters. You can see images of Geolights here and examples of how the lights have been used here. The lights are:
- Battery powered
- Waterproof and weatherproof
- Colour changing and dimmable
- Can produce light for up to 7 hours
- Weigh 1.2 kg per light
- Programmable using DMX software (including live programming)
Outcomes
Each commissioned artist will be expected to create a public-facing outcome on 12-14 February 2027. This could be:
- A live test or demonstration
- A workshop with participants
- A sharing of work in progress
- A small-scale performance
- A participatory public activity
The emphasis is on experimentation and learning, rather than delivering a polished final piece.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome applications from artists and makers working across:
- Visual arts
- Light art
- Theatre
- Dance and movement
- Sound
- Creative technology
- Community arts
- Live art
- Interdisciplinary practice
We are particularly interested in hearing from artists based in Salford and Greater Manchester, though applications are welcome from further afield.
You must be able to attend a workshop delivered by Walk the Plank at their studios on Thursday 3 December 2026 at 1pm – 5pm (lunch included).
Timeline
- Open call closes: Friday 13 November 2026
- Artists selected by: Friday 20 November 2026
- Induction session with Walk the Plank: Thursday 3 December 2026
- Development period: December 2026, January and February 2027
- Public testing weekend: 12-14 February 2027 (half-term weekend)
How to apply
Please complete this online monitoring form, submit your CV and a 1-page document/email/link to a short video expressing why you are interested in this opportunity.
We would love to hear:
- A brief outline of your idea and what it’s testing
- Whether your idea includes any public engagement
- Any initial technical requirements
- A rough budget breakdown
- A rough timeline
Please send your application to lesley@quaysculture.com with the email subject ‘Geolight Testing Micro Commission’.
Deadline: Friday 13 November 2026 at 9am
This opportunity is made possible with support from Salford City Council.
Light Up the City – Emerging Producers
Light Up the City (LUTC) is a working group of cultural organisations and Salford City Council focused on a collaborative approach to light in the city of Salford. The group are currently looking for three emerging producers to work with From the Other, Quays Culture and Walk the Plank.
The opportunity will include experience on various projects that form part of the work programme of the group including:
- CreaTech commissions to be presented at BEYOND Festival – Monday 23 November 2026
- Documentation, evaluation and development of sound work from Salford Everywhere working with From the Other and Quays Culture
- Development of immersive sound commission – From the Other and Quays Culture
- Development and presentation of Dragon installation – November/December 2027 with RHS Bridgewater and Walk the Plank
- Support Geolight testing and other exploratory activities for an experimental weekend of light and darkness at MediaCity and Salford Quays – 12/13/14 February 2027
Responsibilities may include:
- Contribution to development of ideas, research into artists and technical options
- Supporting prep for events including packing up, load-in and load-out
- Assisting with co-ordination for events and festivals, for example editing and circulating advance packs
- Helping gathering production information and risk assessments
- Gathering feedback and evaluation and supporting documentation
- Supporting installation, event and de-rig
- Support with social media
The organisation will provide practical support and guidance from staff involved with the LUTC projects and offer the producers experience based upon an initial onboarding meeting to understand areas of interest and levels of experience. This is a learning experience, with real project opportunities aimed at recent graduates, or participants who may have a small amount of experience either in a paid or voluntary role.
There are three roles available, one for each of the following organisations. Exact roles and responsibilities will be determined by each organisation and may differ slightly.
From the Other
From the Other is a Salford-based cultural organisation that creates bold music-led experiences, festivals and creative placemaking projects that connect artists, audiences and communities. Evolving from the internationally recognised Sounds From The Other City festival, the organisation commissions new work, develops creative talent and produces distinctive cultural programmes that champion experimentation and collaboration. Notable projects include Sounds From The Other City and the critically acclaimed Fat Out Fest, which showcases adventurous and experimental music from leading UK and international artists.
Quays Culture
Quays Culture is a Salford-based cultural organisation that produces free, ambitious public art and festival experiences across Salford Quays and MediaCity. It specialises in large-scale outdoor work that brings together creativity, community and innovation, working with both local and international artists. Its programmes include Waves (formerly Lightwaves) and We Invented the Weekend, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Walk the Plank
Walk the Plank is one of the UK’s leading outdoor arts organisations, based in Salford and internationally recognised for creating ambitious public art, theatre, light and fire spectacles. Since 1991, the company has worked with artists, communities and partners to transform public spaces through innovative cultural experiences that celebrate local stories, places and people. Their work ranges from community-led events and immersive installations to large-scale ceremonies and festivals.
Information about the role
- The emerging producer’s day rate is £175 and covers 10 days (days to be agreed between organisation and producer), to include all costs
- You should be based in the North West, with priority given to Salford applicants
- Contract starts – Monday 26 October 2026
- Contract ends – 31 March 2027
Skills and experience
We are looking for organised, enthusiastic and curious individuals who are interested in developing a career in cultural production and public events. You should have good communication and teamwork skills, be willing to learn, and be able to manage tasks reliably in a busy, collaborative environment. An interest in artists, live events, outdoor arts, music, light or creative technology would be useful, as would any experience of event support, festival work, administration, co-ordination, social media, documentation or working with communities. You do not need to have experience in all these areas.
To help us evaluate the impact of this opportunity, we would like to understand your skills development and feedback on the experience through a baseline/summative survey and a reflective report at the end of the contract.
To apply: please complete this online monitoring form, submit your CV and a 1-page document/email/link to a short video expressing why you are interested in this opportunity, your interests and your general availability from 26 October – 31 March 2027. You can also express if there is a particular organisation that you are interested in working with – although we cannot guarantee that you will be placed with this organisation.
Deadline: Monday 19 October 2026 at 9am
Short online interviews will be conducted on Friday 30 October 2026
Please submit any questions and your application with the email subject ‘Light Up the City – Emerging Producer’ to lesley@quaysculture.com.
This opportunity is made possible with support from Salford City Council.